N88 (pronounced “Nate”) is a youth-created awareness campaign designed to help Ohio students recognize, remember, and use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline when they or someone they know needs support.

Created by the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council, N88 was developed with one goal in mind: to make conversations about mental health feel more approachable and ensure every young person knows that help is available. By giving 988 a relatable, memorable character, the campaign helps reduce stigma and encourages students to reach out before a crisis escalates.

Through school resources, social media, and community outreach, N88 empowers young people to look out for themselves and one another. Whether someone is struggling with their mental health, worried about a friend, or simply wants to learn more, N88 reminds them that they are never alone and that help is just three numbers away.

N88 Toolkit: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Educators

Is your school, business, or organization ready to spread N88’s message?

The N88 Toolkit is designed to help adults introduce N88, promote awareness of 988, and support youth in safely and confidently sharing positive mental wellness messages.

The Toolkit includes:

• Frequently Asked Questions & Talking Points
• A template for outreach to parents and media
• Social media posts and graphics
• Where’s N88? printable character sheet and instructions
• Poster
• Brand Guide

How to Use the Toolkit

1. Start with the FAQs
   Review the FAQ and Talking Points documents before sharing the campaign with youth, families, staff, or community members. Use the FAQs to answer common questions about what 988 is, who N88 is, how youth can participate, and how to keep the activity safe.
2. Introduce N88 and 988
   Explain that N88 is a youth-friendly character created to help young people remember 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Let youth know that 988 is free, confidential, and available 24/7 by call, text, or chat.
3. Share the “Where’s N88?” Activity
   Invite youth to print out N88 and take photos or short videos of him doing something that supports mental wellness—such as walking, listening to music, creating art, spending time with friends, taking a break, or doing something kind.
4. Make It Youth-Led
   Encourage youth to decide what mental wellness looks like to them. Their ideas may be active, quiet, creative, funny, social, or simple. The goal is to make the message feel authentic and relatable.
5. Use the Toolkit in Multiple Settings
   Share or display materials in classrooms, counseling offices, youth group spaces, athletic areas, community centers, family resource tables, newsletters, websites, and social media channels.